Q: I read your article in the Western Producer titled
“Arsenic in water supply not to be treated lightly.”
I was wondering if you could let me know what is the best way economically and reliably purify well water. Our well was drilled about four years ago but has yet to be used. We recently had it tested and here are the specs as determined by the provincial lab in Regina.
Though I would love to purify the water to the best quality I can, I am not yet certain to what extent it would be worth the cost, both initial and maintenance. I don’t even drink tap water now and I live in Regina.
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However, I do not want to have to worry about cooking or cleaning with the well water either.
Additionally, the iron and manganese would quickly ruin taps and laundry.
I hope you will be able to offer me some guidance.
A: I have reviewed your water analysis and the following are on the border or do not meet acceptable guidelines: arsenic, sulfates, sodium, total hardness, manganese, iron and total dissolved solids.
There is really no easy solution to the magnitude of water problems you have.
I would install a proper pretreatment system. It would be designed to remove all bacteria present, which may include coliform, E. coli, iron and manganese bacteria.
The pretreatment system will remove all oxidized iron and manganese from the water.
I would then install a commercial reverse osmosis system to reduce or remove the arsenic, sulfates, sodium and hardness in the safe range.
The system should be capable of reducing hardness without installing a water softener system.
It would cost between $5,000 and $7,000 and provide years of clean, safe water for consumption, bathing and laundry purposes.
If you have a water problem and would like advice, write to the Water Clinic, attention Philip Stadnyk, 850-47th St. E. Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 0X4, e-mail philip @thewater clinic.com or phone 800-664-2561. Stadnyk is president of the Water Clinic and a member of the Canadian Water Quality Association. His views do not necessarily reflect those of The Western Producer.
